Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and typhoons impacting the region, Macao's 2021 Legislative Assembly Election ended on Sunday evening in a smooth and orderly way.

The legislative election management committee of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced the preliminary results of the election of the seventh Legislative Assembly early Monday morning: 14 candidates won the directly-elected seats, and 12 won the indirectly-elected seats.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is raging across the world, the new seventh Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR carries high expectations from voters and is required to address real problems, put forward constructive proposals, and find real solutions to improve the livelihood of the local residents.

In line with the Basic Law, the new legislature is composed of 33 seats. Besides the 14 directly-elected seats and 12 indirectly-elected seats, seven seats will be appointed by the SAR's chief executive. 

The term of office of the seventh Legislative Assembly will start in October 2021.

Before the elections, 20 candidates were disqualified for failing to meet the requirement of upholding the Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the Macao SAR. The competition was still fierce; over 120 hopefuls contested for the 14 directly-elected seats. But the campaign among candidates was mainly focused on effectively improving Macao's governance efficiency and promoting people's livelihood instead of political attacks or personal remarks.

According to an earlier survey, Macao citizens expect the new Legislative Assembly to roll out more economic stimulus and financial support. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected tourism, which has been the pillar industry of Macao for decades. The problem of the undiversified industrial structure deeply perplexes Macao's sustainable development.

A few days ahead of the Legislative Assembly Election, the general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin was made public. This is of great significance in promoting Macao's economic diversification, facilitating Macao residents' living and working space, and speeding up Macao's integration into the overall national development. 

A thriving and prosperous China provides a strong backing for Macao, while a stable and flourishing Macao will better serve China's development and contribute to the sovereignty, security, and development interests of the whole country.

In Macao, national and local pride, inclusiveness, pragmatism, and enterprising spirit have been recognized as core values across the whole spectrum of society. They have helped build up strong popular support for social stability and harmony.

Overall, Macao's 2021 Legislative Assembly Election is undoubtedly a further step to implement the principle of "patriots governing Macao" and in-depth trials for the principle of "one country, two systems."

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